Category Archives: Reports

Accounts – bar takings improved. Social functions revenue down so members encouraged to support in the future.

Approval given in principle for work to begin towards the club becoming incorporated.

Presentation of Club’s property included – i) negotiations in progress to purchase land behind the clubhouse, ii) improvement of club’s changing facilities; options presented to include major rebuild, portable facilities, extension to the clubhouse and dome with playing and changing facilities.

Soft Ball Cricket is a new, fun, fast, social game for all abilities featuring a, you guessed it, soft ball. Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festivals are set to take over this summer during the ICC Women’s World Cup. Expect something different!

Topcroft Cricket Club are hosting a Ladies Softball Cricket Festival Tuesday 25th July at 6pm

There will be fun, music, processco/Schloer, free t-shirts, Selfie boards and will generally will be a great giggle.

The event will be run by Suffolk Cricket Board with help from Topcroft Cricket Club. The event is officially for those aged 14 and above (Processo for those aged over 18 only) however we are happy for aged 12 and over to join in the fun!

If you and your friends enjoy having a laugh and want to whack a ball please bring them along, this is a free event, the more the merrier!

The ECB have asked for as many of the ladies as possible sign up before the event online , 😊 Please click on the following link to register.

It only takes 30 seconds, very quick. If you search for the nearest Festival to them and they should see one labelled as Topcroft CC.

If the ladies complete this sign up, they can guarantee their free t-shirt and they will also receive discounts for tickets to upcoming events (the WWC) and the new New Balance England Kit, as well as ensuring there is enough Prosecco!.

We are delighted to confirm that England and Great Britain Head Coach Danny Kerry has been named an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list, while former Chairman Philip Kimberley has been awarded an OBE, both for services to hockey.

Danny is the most successful coach in the history of modern British hockey, having guided the Great Britain women’s team to an historic gold medal in Rio, and also a bronze at the London 2012 games. In addition, under his stewardship the England team won gold at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in 2015, and silver at both the Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy, among many other medals.

Philip acted as Chairman of England Hockey from 2002 to 2015, leading a complete rebuild of the organisation, from a position of bankruptcy to being recognised as one of the best run governing bodies in British sport. Under his stewardship, the organisation set on the road to its highest ever participation figures, was awarded the right to host major events including the 2018 Women’s World Cup, and also won medals in all of the sport’s major international tournaments, including a first Olympic medal in 20 years.

Chief Executive Sally Munday said, “I am absolutely delighted that both Philip and Danny have been recognised in this manner. Everyone at Great Britain and England Hockey is already fully aware of their contribution to the sport, and it is only right that their achievements are recognised publically.

“Philip deserves huge credit for the role he played in completely revitalising the organisation and picking it up from what can best be described as rock bottom. The Governing Body was on its knees and he set the pathway for a complete recovery, both operationally, financially and from an international performance perspective. He does not seek personal accolades and is humble in the receipt of compliments, but he is hugely deserving of his OBE.

“Danny is also hugely deserving of an MBE for his incredible contribution to the sport. Both he and his athletes captured a nation with their success on the pitch in Rio, but also with the culture he created, of inspiring the future and leaving a true legacy for the sport.

“Without these two gentlemen, hockey in this country would be completely different, and for that reason I am delighted with this news.”

Danny said, “I feel proud and humbled by this award. Importantly it’s recognition for all the brilliant people who work behind the scenes with our national teams and who do such incredible work. Thank you to the many who have supported the athletes in such a tireless, brilliant and selfless way.”

Philip commented, “I am very honoured to receive this award, and the news came as a wonderful surprise. So many people have contributed to the continued growth of England Hockey, and I was fortunate to help steer the ship at a time when it needed guidance. There are some wonderful people in the organisation, and indeed in the sport itself, which made my job so much easier, and I am forever grateful to them. It gives me great pride to see the sport thriving and long may it continue.”

In addition, we would like to congratulate Gibraltar umpire Nathan Stagno, who represented Great Britain in the Rio Olympics and has also been awarded an MBE for services to hockey.

Harleston Magpies Hockey Club are celebrating the return of England Hockey international Tim Whiteman to the coaching setup for the 2017/18 season as player and coach of the men’s first team.

Tim is returning to the club where he started his hockey career aged just six, and where he made his debut for the men’s first team at sixteen.

Since leaving Magpies for Nottingham Trent University, after two years in the first team and an indoor national title, Tim went on to play premier league hockey for Beeston Hockey Club. His ten successful years there included securing three national titles and the England Hockey League Cup. As well as a hugely successful club career, Tim has fifty four caps for England and Great Britain, playing in five major international tournaments. Tim will be bringing his wealth of experience of playing at the very highest level of the sport back to Magpies help push forward the men’s side of the club.

Speaking but the season ahead, Tim Whiteman said: ‘It’s a huge honour to be asked to lead the men’s first team for Harleston Magpies. I can’t wait to return to such a fantastic club with and work with talented, dedicated players and coaches. My vision is to create a fun environment with attacking, high tempo hockey whilst at the same time developing individuals and the team as a whole.’

Tim will be supported in the coaching set-up by first team player and captain Leigh Sitch. Leigh Sitch will also be bringing his extensive experience to the team, plus an intrinsic knowledge of the club. A first team player for the last fourteen years, including three spells in the national league, Leigh Sitch also has five years of experience as head coach for England Hockey’s regional tier.

Leigh Sitch welcomed Mr Whiteman back to the club saying: ‘It’s great to welcome Tim back, as a coach and player who can offer expertise on and off the pitch. Tim will be an excellent role model to all members of the club, and importantly inspire our younger members in our growing youth section. I am sure that with Tim’s guidance the men’s first team will play attacking hockey that is exciting to both play and watch.’

If you are keen to get involved with Harleston Magpies and the men first team please don’t hesitate to contact Tim Whiteman direct on

Friday 9 June saw Harleston Magpies Hockey Club open up its pitches for the first of this year’s hockey taster evenings for boys and girls in school years one ‎to seven.

An amazing response to flyers, posters and social media saw over 80 youngsters take part in the first session. Almost all were completely new to the sport and to the popular local club.

After sticks were provided and warm up exercises completed, the lead coaches, ably assisted by club members both old and young, introduced youngsters to the basic skills of the game before completing the evening with some mini hockey matches.

‘We were thrilled with how well this evening went and to see so many new youngsters at Magpies’, commented James Smith, Magpies Boys Youth Development Officer. ‘Hockey remains one of the highest participant sports in the country and is growing across the age spectrums year on year. The GB Ladies Olympic gold in 2016 is still inspiring and swelling support for our sport. The atmosphere created by our new recruits and their enthusiasm for giving hockey a go made for a really enjoyable evening.’

Magpies location in the heart of the Waveney Valley ‎just outside Harleston provides the club with a great pool of local villages and towns to provide hockey for. This year’s course has attracted youngsters from over 20 local primary schools like Harleston, Dickleburgh, Mendham, Hoxne, Gislingham, Laxfield, Debenham, Pulham, Worlingworth to name just a few.

‘We don’t know yet if we’ve found a star of the future, but there were certainly some very promising signs’, said Richard Larkin, one of the lead youth coaches at the club. ‘Last night we encouraged 80 boys and girls to think about hockey as a sport for their future. We hope they will come and join the club this autumn and carry on with hockey as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.’

‎The Hockey Taster Course continues every Friday up to and including 7 July 2017. For more details see the Clubs website

MIKE’S MUSINGS – 6 June 2017(back as a one-off by popular demand – honestly!)

MAGPIES WIN NATIONAL MIXED TROPHY AGAIN

After triumphs in 2004 and 2015 the Magpies’ squad – kindly sponsored by Parson Estate Agents – and their supporters assembled at Lee Valley Hockey Centre last Saturday in search of a third win in England Hockey’s Mixed Trophy which this season attracted an entry of 148 teams making it EH’s most popular competition.

After missing the signs to the Westfield Shopping Centre I toured the area trying to find somewhere to park eventually settling for a well-known supermarket where a fellow customer kindly gave me a lift to the stadium on a hot day in time for the eagerly awaited semi-final clash with Spencer HC.

Maria Andrews put Magpies ahead early in the game with a typically fierce penalty corner conversion but Spencer were soon level thanks to a superb reverse stick shot by ex-Magpie Duncan Graves. Unfortunately for him and his team Duncan was injured in making the shot and his weekend’s hockey was over. His shot almost did the same for Magpies’ goalkeeper Chris Leek who took a frightful blow and the game was held up for several minutes.

Magpies then had a bad spell but to their relief and that of their supporters they were back in the lead against the run of play seconds before half time when Maria fired one of her trademark reverse stick shots high into the net.

Encouraged by this change of fortune Magpies dominated the second half (despite two yellows) inspired by Tim Whiteman in midfield. Midway through the half Lucy Whiting won the ball and crossed for Simon Hipwell to run into the circle to score in spectacular style. Another goal for Simon who has found his scoring touch in the latter part of the season to go with his mounting card collection!

Maria then scored again to take her Mixed total for the season to nine (to add to her seventeen for the 1sts) and in a spirit of goodwill I will record this as completing her hat-trick! Captain Leigh Sitch was also in commanding form for Magpies in this 4-1 win with another outstanding defensive performance in addition to his three attacking forays causing one spectator to say he didn’t realise how quick Leigh is about the pitch!

We then saw Khalsa (Warks) recover from two down to beat Stourport 3-2 in the other semi with two late goals. Khalsa looked a much stronger team than when Magpies beat them 5-0 in the quarters at Weybread last season so our squad was warned what to expect in the final the next day.

The appalling terrorist outrage in London on Saturday evening was marked by a minute’s silence in the stadium on Sunday.

Stourport beat Spencer 3-0 in the 3rd/4th place play-off and with the number of Magpies’ supporters swelling by the minute it was time for the final played in coolish and mainly overcast conditions.

Khalsa were soon on the attack and they scored after three minutes following an attack down their right. Magpies are rarely behind in their Mixed games. How would they react to this setback in front of their enthusiastic support? The answer was encouraging and they took the game to their opponents without playing at their best. Five minutes before half time after good work by Leigh, Tim and Simon the ball was slipped by Maria to Lizzie Clymer who took the chance in fine style to bring the scores level.

The second half was a tense and exciting affair with Thomas Ridley in midfield and Andrew Bedwell in defence playing particularly well for Magpies. Both sides had chances at penalty corners in the last few minutes and Maria was denied by an excellent stick save by the Khalsa keeper.

So players and spectators alike were left with the dreaded shuffles introduced just for the final. It was 2-2 after each team had taken their five. Scorers for Magpies were Tim Whiteman and Robbie Kinsella with Chris in goal making some excellent saves with one surprisingly resulting in a penalty stroke for Khalsa which they converted.

With nerves jangling (at least in the crowd!) it was now time for the decider. Tim stepped up to coolly convert once again leaving the next Khalsa player needing to score to extend the shootout. With tension mounting even higher Chris forced him to shoot wide and with it a hard earned victory for Magpies in front of their jubilant fans including sponsors Kevin and Jan Parson.

The stadium announcer rightly called it a compelling final in which both teams played their part with so little between them.

It is ‘very well done’ to all members of the Magpies’ squad with special thanks to captain Leigh for all his hard work in organising the team throughout the season including the hotel and other arrangements for the finals weekend.

Congratulations to Leigh, Lizzie, Thomas, Maria and Katherine Ridley who after Saturday’s game were invited to the England Mixed trials.

The weekend marked almost certainly (at least for now) the last game for the club by Maria who this season in particular has shown what an outstanding goal scoring talent she has. She leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for her hockey and further studies. She will always be welcome back at Weybread.

Harleston Magpies Mixed team sponsored by Parson Estate Agents have regained the National Mixed crown following a weekend of exciting hockey at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre in London.

The squad that have been together for 5 seasons now have won the competition for the second time in three years.

The squad had a few changes from last season’s adventure at Lee Valley, they were without Katrina Sitch, James Meek, Dickon Taylor, Frances Taylor and John Livings and had picked up Jess Howland, Katherine Ridley, Thomas Ridley, Lucy Belsey, Chris Leek and Laura Tibbenham.

Semi-final Harleston Magpies 4 Spencer 1

In the semi-final that took place on the Saturday the team faced Spencer on a baking afternoon in the capital. Harleston started well and dominated the early stages of the game. The team eventually get their just rewards when Maria Andrews converted a penalty corner with a hard low shot that left the post man with no chance. A lack of concentration 15 minutes into the game allowed Spencer the chance to equalise as they took a quick free hit the ball found Duncan Graves in the circle where the ex-Magpie turned and fired an unstoppable shot with his reverse stick. This goal caused a swing in the momentum and it was now Spencer who looked the more dangerous side. However, the back line for Harleston of Jess Howland, Leigh Sitch, Andrew Bedwell, Katherine Ridley, Lucy Belsey and Lauren Mickleburgh stood firm and limited the number of shots that Chris Leek had to face.

Against the run of play and with 30 seconds remaining of the half Harleston retook the lead when Maria Andrews grabbed her second of the day with a reverse stick finish. Harleston went into half time knowing that they had the lead but hadn’t played to their full potential.

In the second half Harleston found their rhythm and soon extended the lead with a flowing move. Thomas Ridley and Tim Whiteman shifted the ball right early on in Harleston’s own half before they found Lizzie Clymer who fed the ball into Lucy Whiting. Lucy beat one player before she found Simon Hipwell just behind the penalty spot. The dynamic midfielder steamed into the circle and with a diving slap dispatched his goal superbly.

Harleston soon rounded of the scoring and a convincing win when Robbie Kinsella and Richard Larkin combined to win a short corner with a few minutes left. Maria Andrews stepped up again to smash the ball home to complete her hat-trick.

In the second semi-final of the day Khalsa came back from two goals down to beat Stourport 3-2.

In the final on the Sunday Harleston faced a strong Khalsa side. The two teams had met last year at the quarter-final stage at the Nest with Harleston running out winners. The 2017 Khalsa side looked like a stronger outfit than the one that Harleston had faced previously.

Harleston made the worst possible start to the game with only 3 minutes on the clock they found themselves a goal down following a loose ball breaking to a Khalsa forward in the circle who at the second time of asking was able to beat Chris Leek in goal.

Despite this set back Harleston grew into the game and started to create chances of their own. Thomas Ridley blazed over the bar after beating three Khalsa players and Maria Andrews deflected a couple of efforts just wide of the goal following a couple of balls being crashed into the circle. Khalsa then had a glorious opportunity to extend their lead but the half volley effort sailed just wide of the post. 2 minutes after this miss Harleston drew level when Tim Whiteman and Leigh Sitch played out of the left releasing Simon Hipwell who found Tim Whiteman again. The ball was played into Maria Andrews before she found Lizzie Clymer who calmly slid the ball past the advancing keeper.

With the teams level at the break an open second half ensued with both teams creating but not converting chances to snatch the lead. Andrew Bedwell was in commanding form at the back for Harleston as he marshalled the defensive line again ensuring that Khalsa attacks were repelled well by Jess Howland, Lauren Mickleburgh, Katherine Ridley, Leigh Sitch, Lucy Belsey and Richard Larkin. When called upon Chris Leek in goal was in outstanding form quickly closing down angles and making two world class saves to keep Harleston in the game. As time ticked on Harleston started to take control and finished the better team, a good ball from Lauren Barber allowed Maria Andrews to fire a reverse stick shot destined for the top corner to be turned away by the diving Khalsa goal keeper.

With minutes left Robbie Kinsella and Lucy Whiting combined to find Simon Hipwell whose reverse stick effort went narrowly wide of the post. A thrilling final finished 1-1 and the trophy would be decided on a penalty shuffle competition.

Harleston took an early lead as Tim Whiteman converted his shuffle and Khalsa missed. The two teams continued to trade blows with Chris Leek making two excellent stops and Robbie Kinsella (drawing on his vast experience) converted his shuffle to leave the teams tied again at 2-2. Sudden death and now Harleston’s turn to go first. Tim Whiteman converted his chance and Chris Leek then forced the Khalsa forward to fire wide meaning that Harleston clinched the 2017 Mixed National Trophy Title.

It has been a long mixed season for the squad who have performed well in all of the rounds and it is thanks to all the players involved.

The squad in turn would like to thank Parson Estate Agents for their continued support, the huge crowd of supporters who made the long journey to Lee Valley to support the team (once again Harleston were the best supported team there) and lastly and by no means least to the two Magpie Mascots – Nick Moss and Sam Moore.

Harleston Magpies Mixed team sponsored by Parson Estate Agents travel to Lee Valley on the 3rd and 4th June looking to regain the National title that they won in 2015. The squad who have been one of the most successful teams in the clubs recent history will play Spencer in the first Semi Final on Saturday 3rd June pushing back at 1-30pm. The second semi final will take place on the same day pushing back at 3-30pm between Stourport and Khalsa. If the team can navigate their way past Spencer then the Final will be played the following day at 4-00pm with the 3rd/4th place match starting at 2-00pm.

The squad reached the Semi Final stage with wins over Bedford (2-1), Bourne Deeping (6-0), Letchworth (4-1), Dereham (walk over) and, in the quarter final, a 7-1 win against Horsham. Spencer have also had a good run to the finals weekend scoring 30 goals and only conceding 10. Magpies will need to continue to be strong in defence to prevent Spencer adding to their 30 goal tally. Magpies will be hoping that their experience of four Final’s appearances in the last five years will guide them to their second National Mixed Trophy title. The squad are strengthened by the fact that eleven of the players that played last year remain in the squad and the team continues to be captained by Magpies Men’s First Team Captain, Leigh Sitch. Magpies have welcomed Katherine Ridley, Jess Howland, Lucy Belsey, Laura Tibbenham and Tim Whiteman to the team.

The squad travel to the weekend in high spirits having continued their strict training regimes in the lead up to the event.

Magpies would like to thank Parson Estate Agents for their continued support of the Mixed XI.

This course is for outfield players and GKs. Please identify on the form if you are a GK. All coaching takes place on the astro so trainers or astro shoes are essential. No studs. Please bring a stick, mouth guard, shin pads and if possible a hockey glove. Please bring a packed lunch and drink for the day. Water top ups will be available at The Club. The Clubhouse bar will not be open for additional food or refreshments. Please bring clothes suitable for the weather including sun tan cream if appropriate.

PLEASE RETURN THE APPLICATION FORM WITH A CHEQUE MADE PAYABLE TO Nick McAllen and send it to Nick McAllen at 46, Rectory Lane, Poringland, Norwich NR14 7SL

Direct payment details can be supplied on request.NOT A SUITABLE COURSE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS

Harleston Magpies Hockey Club Youth Section celebrated a bumper crop of youngsters at their annual Youth Awards Evening on Friday 19 May. Over one hundred children played games and crowded into the Clubhouse to see the lucky recipients of the highly prized annual awards, presented by two young first team players, Maria Andrews and Archie Winters.

Boys Development Officer James Smith said: ‘We had 121 girls and boys from 7 to 16 celebrating a brilliant year of youth hockey at our annual youth awards ceremony on Friday 19 May. We have been so impressed by the high numbers of youngsters joining us this season, on the back of Great Britain’s Olympic hockey win and our active outreach programme with schools.’

He continued: ‘It’s been a tremendous season with success at regional level for several of our teams, and the bonus of being able to field more girls and boys teams than ever before at tournaments across the county.’

Club Youth Chairman David Johnson praised the attitude of the youngsters saying: ‘Our awards evening was a terrific night. We start with mixed team games with girls and boys from 7 upwards, which are always great fun and highly competitive, then move onto the serious stuff with presentation of awards. It’s great to hear the children guessing who might have won what! They all conducted themselves brilliantly, and were a real credit to the club. Well done to all the winners on the night!’

If you fancy getting your kids involved in hockey, check out the summer taster courses running in June and July at Harleston Magpies Hockey Club on their website at www.magpies-hockey.co.uk

Presentations were made by first team players Maria Andrews and Archie Winter

U9 Boys Most Improved PlayerU9 Player of the SeasonU9 Player of the Season (2)U10 Boys Player of the SeasonU10 Most Improved PlayerU10 Most Improved Player (2)U10 Player of the SeasonU11 Girls Most Improved PlayerU11 Boys Most Improved PlayerU11 Boys Player of the SeasonU11 Girls Player of the SeasonU12 Boys Most Improved PlayerU12 Boys Player of the SeasonU12 Girls Player of the SeasonU13 Boys Most Improved PlayerU13 Boys Player of the SeasonU13 Girls Most Improved PlayerU13 Girls Player of the SeasonBoys Dev Player of the SeasonGirls Dev Player of the SeasonGirls dev Most Improved PlayerU14 Boys Most Improved PlayerU14 Boys Player of the SeasonU14 Girls Most Improved PlayerU14 Girls Player of the SeasonU15 Girls Most Improved PlayerU15 Boys Most Improved PlayerU15 Girls Player of the Season

The Magpies Youth section is busy preparing for next season with our popular hockey taster sessions for new recruits, both boys and girls, scheduled to take place on Friday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th June and 7th July from 6pm to 7.30pm. This introduction to hockey is open to current Year 1 to Year 7 pupils and is ideal for those completely new to the sport or those who have limited hockey experience.

Any help club members can provide in recruiting players or advertising the course would be really appreciated.

Copies of the entry form can be found on the Latest News page of the club’s website and I have a pile of these ready for circulation around local primary schools. If you are a local school teacher, TA, parent helper, school governor or parent who can persuade a school to distribute our leaflet please get in touch with me as soon as possible, my email address is: ssmith091.

A supply of leaflets will be available at the youth presentation evening at the clubhouse on Friday 19th May for anyone able to help.

Alternatively an electronic version of the entry form or flyer for the course is available if you can circulate this to any groups that our Facebook page and twitter feeds will not be reaching. Any way let me know if you can help and I can send you whatever you need.

And of course please tell family, friends, neighbours and anyone else you can think of with children current in years 1 to 7. The more interest we can drum up this summer the more will hopefully convert to our regular autumn youth coaching sessions helping to maintain the strength of our youth system.

So if you can help in some way or have any ideas on how I can promote the taster course more widely please get in touch via
email ssmith091@btinternet.com
or give me a call on 07800 699074.

MAGPIES MAY DAY HOCKEY FESTIVAL Saturday 29 April and Monday 1 MaySaturday (Open Mixed Challenge)Cup Final – Dalmations 3 Tye Dye Pye 0
Player of the Final – Simon Hipwell (Dalmations)Plate Final – You Wine Some You Booze Some 3 Chubby’s 0
Player of the Plate Final – Josh Bailey (YWSYBS)Monday (Ladies & Mens Club XIs)Ladies’ Cup Final – City City Bang Bang 1 Norwich City 0
Player of the Final – Matilda Warde-AldamLadies’ Plate Final – Dragons White 1 Loddon 0
Player of the Plate Final – Sam Franklin (Dragons)Men’s Cup Final – Norwich City 1 Ely 0
Player of the Final – Andy Kind (Ely)Men’s Plate Final – Magpies 0 IES 0 (Magpies win on strokes)
Player of the Plate Final – Jack Frere-Smith (Magpies)

Magpies went into this Investec Women’s O35s Trophy Final at the Lee Valley Sports Centre in confident mood after their impressive semi-final away win over Jersey and they dominated the game from the first whistle.

Cheered on by their forty-strong band of supporters they went ahead after five minutes when Lucy Field and Angie Wheelhouse combined to give Anouska Stott the easiest of tap-ins and this trio continued to cause severe problems for the Timperley defence throughout the game with Angie in the form reminiscent of her free-scoring first team days. After spurning penalty corner opportunities Magpies scored their second midway through the first half after good work by Charlie Harrison and Anouska was finished off by Angie.

Rachel Small was in outstanding in goal for Timperley but she was powerless to stop Anouska and Angie scoring again before half time with Debbie Francis dominating the midfield with the support of Charlie Harrison, Rachel Goodson, Becky Baker and Laura Betts. Meanwhile Kath Johnson, captain Louisa Greenacre, Charlotte Rourke-Beasley and Plum Sweet were as reliable as ever in defence on the rare occasions they were troubled by the hard working Timperley team who never let their spirits drop. But Magpies were grateful for a smart save by goalkeeper Karen Fletcher early in the second half.

Despite their comfortable lead Magpies continued to take the game to their opponents and they went further ahead when after a trademark fast break down the left Lucy found Angie unmarked in the circle for her third goal. Shortly afterwards and to the biggest cheer of the day Treacle Griffin came on and with her first hit of the game scored from left edge of the circle into the far corner to the delight of the Magpies’ supporters and her team-mates.

The seventh goal was scored by Jose Tibbenham to a similar reception and this was a fitting reward for all the hard work put in by Jose during the campaign and especially with all the organising involved with the semi-final trip to Jersey.

The squad’s final goal was the equal of or even better than the others when Plum fired a ball from defence straight down the middle of the pitch for Anouska to collect before crashing the ball into the net in typically exciting style for her twelve goal of the competition.

……. now joined by Rachel Baynes (physio) and special young fans. Photo courtesy of Simon Parker, SP Action Images, www.spactionimages.com

Congratulations to the squad, including manager Shirley McAllen, coach Nick McAllen and physio Rachel Baynes, on this splendid win rounding off in the best possible way the squad’s debut season in this national event. A game to remember!

PS. Five of the Magpies Ladies’ O35s team were in the U19 team who won the National Title at Milton Keynes in 1998/9, namely Becky Baker, Charlotte Rourke-Beasley, Laura Betts, Debbie Francis and Lucy Field.

Harleston Magpies mixed hockey team sponsored by Parson estate agent travelled to Horsham to play the quarter finals of the Mixed cup. Despite the early start the players, along with our faithful supporters, arrived in fine spirits eager to reach a 4th finals in 5 years.

With several players carrying injuries (and some extra Easter weight) Pies knew that they needed to get off to a strong start and assert themselves early in the game. They did just this when the lightning-quick Simon Hipwell pounced on a loose ball and raced through for a 1 on 1 with the keeper. Keeping his head, Hipwell coolly slid the ball under the keeper to put the visitors in the lead. Magpies continued their pressure, with Thomas Ridley in typical commanding form in midfield pulling the strings. After some sustained pressure Simon Hipwell converted his, and Magpies, second of the game. With the ball bobbling loosely in the D he managed to bundle it over the line at the 3rd attempt.

The good play continued as Katherine Ridley and Lauren Barber caused Horsham problems down the right hand side of the pitch and Maria Andrew was looking menacing up front. Before long Magpies had extended their lead further when a wild, and probably dangerous, reverse stick shot from Richard Larkin was expertly deflected at waist height into the back of the net by Lucy Whiting. Horsham looked dangerous on the counter attack but strong tackling from the dynamic duo of Leigh Sitch and Andrew Bedwell rebuffed many Horsham attacks. Horsham did have a chance to reduce the deficit before half time but as their player was about to pull the trigger in the D Katherine Ridley expertly nicked the ball from the end of his stick before cheekily putting it onto his foot and removing the threat. Half-time Horsham 0 – 3 Magpies.

Magpies started the second half with the same attacking intent as they ended the first. Player-of-the-match Jess Howland pushed forwards at every opportunity and it seemed only a matter of time before the Pies scored their fourth. As Magpies committed more players forward Horsham broke quickly and creating a 2 on 1 situation pulled a goal back. Magpies were soon back in control when Tim Whiteman played a quick one-two with Hipwell before sneaking between 2 defenders and deftly lobbing the keeper with his reverse stick.

This goal spurred Magpies on further and they began playing some of their best hockey of the match with some excellent one and two touch passing. Magpies were reduced to 10 men with Whiteman lucky to only receive a green card after a malicious stick tackle. Undeterred the Pies immediately scored their fifth of the game when quick passing between Hipwell and Ridley gave Ladies East National League player of the season Maria Andrews an easy tap in. The lead was further extended when Robbie Kinsella, who had been running like a man half his age all game, slipped Hipwell through in the D who passed it to Tibbenham who was perfectly placed to add her name to the score sheet.

Despite the commanding scoreline Magpies were given a scare when their influential midfielder and talismanic goal scorer Simon Hipwell received a harsh yellow (possibly due to Whiteman’s earlier indiscretion) for a clean tackle. Despite this heavy blow the team managed to rally and Robbie Kinsella rounded off the scoring with a beautifully struck strike into the side netting after a lung bursting run across the pitch. The game finished Horsham 1 – 7 Magpies with Harleston playing their best hockey of the season.

Thank you to Kevin Ridley for managing the team and to all the travelling supporters who helped cheer us to victory. The team now travel to Lee Valley on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th June.

HELP URGENTLY NEEDED!

This weekend is the club’s May Day Hockey Festival with a mixed tournament on Saturday and club XI day on Monday. Team entries are coming together but we are very short of helpers to enable the weekend to run smoothly. The weekend is not only an enjoyable way to bring the season to a close but also a great money earner for the club coffers and therefore please can you all consider again whether you can help with the tasks set out below.

If every club team finds one volunteer from your regular playing squad to give up a couple of hours to help in the kitchen over the weekend we would be fully provided for. Likewise umpires do not need to be level one qualified so if you are comfortable with umpiring you can volunteer and get some experience in a more light hearted environment. If you can spare half or a whole day please step forward.

Without the support of the entire club membership this event will struggle to survive. So your opportunities to volunteer are as follows:

Friday 28th – pitch preparation during the day – marking and goal moving.

Saturday 29th – umpires required from 10am to 5pm. Half day or full day positions exist.

Saturday 29th – tournament officials to join James and Kirstin in the nerve centre managing the event over the day.

Saturday 29th – kitchen helpers to assist with the sales of filled rolls, cakes and bacon butties. Ideally we are looking to have three people in the kitchen at any one time doing two hour slots, i.e. 9 – 11am, 11 – 1pm, 1 – 3pm, 3 – 5pm.

In our effort to engage with local primary schools and capture the interest of more youngsters in Hockey we have teamed up with the Suffolk Primary Schools Partnership and intend to provide a Quick Sticks Hockey tournament at the club from the following primary schools:

Joshua Knights the schools sports coordinator for the Partnership has done a great job in getting pupils excited about hockey and exposing for the first time circa 1,000 youngsters to our sport through a 6-week introduction to hockey and now it is our turn and opportunity to build on this by providing a small tournament at the club on the afternoon of Wednesday 26th April between 1.30 and 3.30pm.

I am therefore looking for volunteers, with a free afternoon to assist with some gentle umpiring, tournament coordination or just being on hand to serve a few teas and coffees to teachers and parent helpers and no doubt a glass of squash or two for the youngsters taking part.

The aim here is to build a partnership with the primary schools listed above that over the next 3 or 4 years will develop into an annual Quick Sticks tournament for pupils from years 3 & 4 and an In2Hockey tournament for pupils from years 5 and 6 and, of course, hopefully a regular supply of hockey mad youngsters at club coaching sessions.

I appreciate that for many a tournament during the working day will not work but I hope that there will be a few club members, umpires and parents who could spare the afternoon. If you are able to lend an hand on Wednesday 26th April in any way please drop me an email ssmith091@btinternet.com or give me a call/send me a text on 07800 699074.

Harleston Magpies Hockey Club is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award. England Hockey have shortlisted the popular and successful local club in the category of ‘Sports Club of the Year’.

The awards will be presented at a glittering ceremony which is the highlight of the annual hockey calendar on Saturday 20 May in Leicester. Hockey lovers from all over the country get together at this England Hockey Awards Dinner to celebrate the achievements of volunteers, umpires, coaches, players and of course clubs over the last year.

The standard of entries has been really high this year, with England Hockey stating on their website: ‘The quality of nominees in each of the categories was once again exceptionally high, making for some tough decisions for the England Hockey selection panel.’

Harleston Magpies Hockey Club Chairman Murray Graham couldn’t contain his excitement when he heard the news: ‘Everyone at Magpies is absolutely delighted! As a rural club, we have a thriving membership, both at youth and adult levels, and we punch well above our weight in regional and national competitions. We rely on volunteers and a host of dedicated coaches and players plus some really committed local sponsors. It’s this commitment and spirit across our local community that has got us noticed by England Hockey. It’s a real honour to be nominated in the category of Sports Club of the Year.’

Mr Graham continued: ‘Last year, one of the clubs most dedicated servants, Mr Mike Denham, won the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2016 at the England Hockey ceremony. We only hope that we can repeat the same success in 2017.’

Pictured: One of Magpies’ youth teams, the U14s boys team who qualified for the Eastern Regional Finals in 2017 March Ends…

For more information please contact Bex Pottruff, Press and Publicity Officer for Harleston Magpies Hockey Club on bex.pottruff@yahoo.com or 07500 945247